Police Arrest Drug Dealer in Nusantara Capital City Area, Seize Four Packets of Methamphetamine
The Sepaku Police, part of the Penajam Paser Utara (PPU) Resort Police, have uncovered a case of illegal distribution of Category 1 narcotics, specifically methamphetamine, in the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) area, precisely in Bumi Harapan Village, Sepaku District. During the operation, police arrested one male suspect, identified by the initials EH, aged 25.
PPU Resort Police Chief, AKBP Andreas Alek Danantara, through Sepaku Police Chief AKP Syarifuddin, stated on Tuesday that the arrest occurred on Saturday around 9:30 PM local time. The suspect, EH, a resident of Bukit Raya Village, Sepaku District, was apprehended along with evidence of methamphetamine.
“This operation demonstrates the Sepaku Police’s seriousness in protecting its jurisdiction from the threat of narcotics distribution, especially considering Sepaku District is a strategic area that is part of IKN,” he asserted.
The case began with information from the public regarding suspicious activity involving methamphetamine transactions in Bumi Harapan Village. Residents reported feeling uneasy about the rampant drug abuse in the area. Following this tip, personnel from the Criminal Investigation Unit and the Intelligence Unit conducted in-depth investigations and field surveillance.
The investigation culminated in the arrest of a man suspected of being involved in the illicit drug distribution network. Officers became suspicious of a white Grandmax vehicle believed to be transporting methamphetamine. The vehicle, driven by suspect EH, was stopped while travelling along Jalan Negara RT. 006 in Bumi Harapan Village, Sepaku.
During a search of the vehicle, officers found four packets of suspected methamphetamine with a total gross weight of approximately 1.97 grams, hidden in various parts of the car’s interior. Police also seized Rp450,000 in cash from the suspect’s trouser pocket, believed to be proceeds from drug transactions.
“During the inspection and search, officers found four packets suspected to be methamphetamine. Several other items of evidence related to the narcotics crime were also secured,” said AKP Syarifuddin.
In addition to the four packets of methamphetamine and the cash, police confiscated a methamphetamine smoking device (bong), plastic clips, two mobile phones, a wallet, and the vehicle used by the suspect.
Preliminary examination revealed the suspect claimed to have obtained the methamphetamine from someone in the Balikpapan area. However, the identity of the supplier is still under investigation and being developed by officers to uncover a wider distribution network.
The Sepaku Police Chief stressed that his department will not tolerate drug abuse or distribution within its jurisdiction. He stated that drug trafficking is a real threat to the younger generation and public safety, and his team will continue to take firm action while urging all elements of society to join the fight against narcotics.
“We also appreciate the active role of the community in providing information to the police so that this case could be uncovered quickly,” he emphasised.
The suspect is currently detained at the Sepaku Police station for further legal proceedings. Investigators are continuing to develop the case to uncover the possible involvement of other perpetrators in the network. The police chief noted that this operation serves as tangible proof of the PPU Resort Police’s commitment, through the Sepaku Police, to supporting the national drug eradication programme while maintaining security and public order in the PPU Regency.
For his actions, the suspect is charged with violating Article 114 paragraph (1) and/or Article 112 paragraph (1) of Republic of Indonesia Law Number 35 of 2009 concerning Narcotics.